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West Ham turn attentions to another german based defender.

By Henry Tomlinson

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 20: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Moussa Niakhate of 1.FSV Mainz 05 looks on during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Red Bull Arena on September 20, 2020 in Leipzig, Germany. Fans are set to return to Bundesliga stadiums in Germany despite to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. Up to 20% of stadium's capacity are allowed to be filled. Final decisions are left to local health authorities and are subject to club's hygiene concepts and the infection numbers in the corresponding region. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 20: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Moussa Niakhate of 1.FSV Mainz 05 looks on during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Red Bull Arena on September 20, 2020 in Leipzig, Germany. Fans are set to return to Bundesliga stadiums in Germany despite to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. Up to 20% of stadium's capacity are allowed to be filled. Final decisions are left to local health authorities and are subject to club's hygiene concepts and the infection numbers in the corresponding region. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
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After failing to sign Bayern Leverkusen defender, Jonathan Tah, West Ham are now reportedly interested in another Bundesliga centre-defender.

West Ham wanted to sign Jonathan Tah on loan with a view to buy. The move collapsed, however, after the German side’s concerns. Bayern Leverkusen only wanted to sell him and would struggle to sign a replacement.

The Hammer are trying to act quickly to find another central-defender and have now been linked to Moussa Niakhaté from FSV Mainz 05. The 24-year-old is available for €15 million according to GGFN (Get German Football News), which is a much lower figure than some of the other defenders linked with the club.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 20: Moussa Niakhate of 1. FSV Mainz has been linked to West Ham as the Hammers search for a new centre-back. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 20: Moussa Niakhate of 1. FSV Mainz has been linked to West Ham as the Hammers search for a new centre-back. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) /

West Ham’s interest has been reported by SkySports reporter Alexander Bonengel. The club will have to move quickly to wrap up a deal for the Frenchman as there is less than eight hours left of the current transfer window.

Niakhaté can play as a centre-back and as a left-back. The FSV Mainz defender could provide decent competition to the current backline while also providing cover for left-wing-back, Arthur Masuaku.

The 24-year-old has a lot of experience despite his young age. Niakhate has played over 100 top-flight games in France and Germany. The defender can also contribute in the other box, he has scored three goals and assisted seven more, which is not bad for a centre-back.

Standing at almost two metres, Niakhate is very good in the air as he can use his height to his advantage over attackers. Another attribute that the defender possesses is a fair amount of pace. This speed is crucial in David Moyes new system.

Next. REPORT: West Ham’s move for Jonathan Tah is off. dark

West Ham have only managed to sign one new face to the first team so far. Vladimir Coufal arrived from SK Slavia Prague in a deal worth £5.4 million. The Czech impressed on his debut against Leicester as the Hammers won 3-0.

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